Caol Ila 18 Years Old 1969 (G&M)

The Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail bottled this Caol Ila, an 18 year old, distilled in 1969, bottled at 56.5%, one of 273 bottles. Caol Ila is the largest distillery on the Isle of Islay. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

Here the spirit was run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. A second fill bourbon cask kept the oak in the background. In the oxidative middle years the spirit deepens, oxidation drawing out waxy fruit as the guaiacol smoke fades to embers. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

At a full 56.5% it is bold and oily. A coastal peat with citrus and pepper, with a light bourbon sweetness. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is a clean Islay smoke from the island's largest distillery.